Trends In Firearm Injuries Related To Accidental Causes: A Study.

ABSTRACT

Gunshot wounds are the second leading cause of death after road traffic accidents within young population in many countries which is the most productive section of the society. This study describes demographics, causative factors, intent, incident locations of firearm injuries and gun-related activities in which patients were engaged at the time of injury among patients treated in hospital emergency departments for unintentional firearm-related injuries. It is a prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year i.e. May 1, 2007 to April 31, 2008 and all the cases of Gunshot Injuries (GSI) that presented to the casualty department of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College & Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh, INDIA were analysed. The information of the cases was obtained from casualty records, history and examination of patient and photograph of the patient's wounds. Parameters studied are age, sex, site of wounds, weapon used, circumstances leading to injury and shot by whom. A total of 198 cases of firearm related injuries reported and 50 were found to be due to unintentional causes. These injuries are most common in children (28%) and most common cause was ceremonial firing (40%). Head and neck region is most commonly affected (34%) followed by trunk (30%). Most frequently used weapon is shotgun (50%). Firearm injuries are one of the emerging causes of unintentional injuries to children and youth. This study suggests that efforts should be made to limit unsupervised access to firearms, to promote safe storage of firearm and apart from strict licensing law, medical assessment is recommended.